L.A. Metro customer survey reveals decline in harassment

Most Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) riders are "satisfied or very satisfied" with the agency's services, according to the transit agency's semi-annual customer survey.

In March, the agency polled 15,000 riders and found that 88 percent of respondents were satisfied with its services. In addition, 85 percent said they felt safe waiting for transit, while 88 percent said they felt safe while riding Metro's trains and buses, Metro officials said in a press release.

"It is gratifying to see the results of our heightened efforts to train, educate and engage law enforcement and passengers on how we all must do our part to improve the safety of the system," said Metro Chair Mark Ridley-Thomas in the release. "We will not rest on our laurels, but instead, redouble our efforts to enhance the positive experience for our riders."

At the same time, the number of riders that reported sexual harassment on the agency's system fell to 18 percent. In the 2014 survey, 22 percent of passengers reported they had experienced sexual harassment while using Metro's services. In response, the agency launched the "It's Off Limits" campaign to crack down on sexual harassment.

As part of the campaign, the agency produced anti-harassment ads to be posted on 285 rail cars and 2,200 buses.

Metro also amended its customer code of conduct to more strictly prohibit sexual harassment.